Menest Alternatives

If your menopause symptoms do not improve with the use of Menest, alternatives to the medication are available. There are several alternatives for menopause treatment, including other conventional medicines, natural remedies, and coping strategies. Medication alternatives to Menest include other estrogen products and combination drugs (which contain estrogen and other hormones).

 

Alternatives to Menest: An Overview

Menest® (esterified estrogens) is a prescription hormone replacement medication. Although Menest is approved for several different uses, it is usually used to treat menopause symptoms. For most women, Menest works well without causing significant side effects. However, as can occur with all medicines, you may experience bothersome or dangerous Menest side effects, or Menest may not adequately control your symptoms. Also, for some women, the risks of taking Menest may outweigh the potential benefits. Fortunately, there are several alternatives to Menest for menopause treatment, including:
 
  • Coping strategies
  • Natural remedies
  • Other conventional medications.
     

Coping Strategies as Menest Alternatives

Medications are not always the answer to all menopause symptoms. If you cannot take Menest or other estrogen medications (or if you desire to avoid such medications), you may want to try other non-drug ways to deal with the symptoms. For instance, there are a variety of vaginal lubricants and moisturizers currently available that can help provide relief from vaginal dryness and irritation. Some are even designed especially for menopausal women. Getting regular exercise and eating a healthy diet can also work wonders for some menopause symptoms. Any measures to improve your overall health will likely help to improve your menopause symptoms as well.
 
(For more ideas on ways to cope with menopause symptoms, see Menopause Relief.)
 
(Menest Alternatives Continued: Page 2)
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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;